HAL HTT-40

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HTT-40
HAL HTT-40 model.JPG
Model of the HAL HTT-40
Role Basic training aircraft
National origin India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
First flight 31 May 2016[1]
Status Under development
Primary user Indian Air Force
Number built One prototype
Unit cost
Rs 34.5 crore (345,000,000 Indian rupees, about US$6.5M in 2013)[2]

The HAL HTT-40 aircraft project is a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) proposal for an indigenous replacement for the Indian Air Force's retired HPT-32 Deepak as a basic trainer.[3][4]

Design and development

The HTT-40 will be an all-metal tandem seat aircraft powered by a 950 hp (708 kW) turboprop engine. In early 2012 the company forecast building 106 examples.[4]

By the middle of 2012 the aircraft's future was in doubt as the Indian Air Force ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs to fill the role envisioned for the HTT-40. In September 2012 the Air Force indicated that it had formally rejected the HTT-40 for service based on its cost per aircraft being double that of the PC-7 Mk II, a proven aircraft already in service worldwide. An MoD official noted, "We would be willing to pay higher rates to build indigenous capability in strategic defence equipment. But can HAL argue that the capability to build basic trainers is strategically vital[?]"[5][6][7]

File:HAL HTT40 Concept Drawing.jpg
Company concept of the HAL HTT-40.

HAL did not confirm the IAF announcement that it will not buy the HTT-40, nor would the company indicate whether the aircraft's development will be continued. A company spokesman said, "We treat all MOD issues/proposals as confidential...All our projects are conceived with national interest in mind though, at times, some of those take time to fructify".[5]

On 28 February 2015, it was reported that Indian defense ministry has selected 68 HAL HTT-40 trainers and 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its current trainer aircraft fleet stating that this move was "commercially viable".[8]

On 21 June 2015, HAL chose the Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop to power the trainer.[9]

HAL rolled out the first prototype on 2 February 2016.[10]

The HAL HTT-40 had its first flight on 31 May 2016. It was piloted by HAL's chief test pilot, Group Capt Subramaniam (Retd). The flight lasted for about 30 minutes. The pilot carried out circuits and the aircraft performance was satisfactory.[1]

Specifications (HTT-40)

Data from HAL[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Gross weight: 2,800 kg (6,173 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop, 700 kW (940 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 600 km/h (373 mph; 324 kn) [11]
  • Range: 1,000 km (621 mi; 540 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,685 ft)

Armament

  • Can be armed with a gun, rockets and bombs[2][11]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ HAL Offers New Basic Trainer to Air Force Archived December 17, 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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